Fall Creek® Sponsors First IBO Summit in Africa, Signaling Southern Africa’s Blueberry Growth Phase

CAPE TOWN, South Africa – Sept. 28, 2025 — Fall Creek Farm and Nursery® served as a main sponsor of the International Blueberry Organization (IBO) Summit 2025, held Sept. 25–27 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre. The event marked the first time the global blueberry industry gathered in Africa, drawing more than 550 delegates from 32 countries.

“The Summit was a milestone for Southern Africa and the global industry, shining light on the incredible opportunity for the region to deliver quality at scale and competitive cost to the benefit of consumers around the world” said Cort Brazelton, board member of Fall Creek®. “We are grateful for the opportunity to serve this industry with local R&D, nursery, teams, and new genetics serving the transformation underway.”

Drawing on its experience supporting growers across five continents, Fall Creek® is entering its 5th year serving Southern Africa, from expanding propagation capacity to establishing trial sites tailored to regional conditions with an on the ground technical team.

The three-day program featured keynote sessions, panel discussions, and networking opportunities focused on South Africa’s potential to increase its role in global supply. Themes included climate advantages, adoption of modern farming techniques, sustainability, unique cost competitiveness, and the region’s capacity to deliver consistent, high-quality fruit to international markets.

“South Africa will compete globally as we align genetics with grower returns and market expectations,” said Paul Nselel, chief commercial officer of Fall Creek®, during an industry panel. “Partnerships across the value chain will be the key to unlocking that opportunity.”

On the final day, delegates toured leading production regions and packhouses, where precision farming, technology adoption, and grower expertise were on full display.

Together with industry leaders, Fall Creek® led out in the event exhibition as the industry came together to discuss  genetics, sustainability, and market strategy, supporting the momentum to build a better future for the industry, its growers, and consumers. 

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About Fall Creek® Farm & Nursery, Inc.
Fall Creek® is a world-leading blueberry genetics company, delivering over 40 million plants of 100+ unique varieties annually to leading growers across 59 countries. Founded in Oregon in 1978, this family-owned company operates 10 wholly-owned facilities spanning North America, South America, Europe, Asia, and Africa. Fall Creek® serves the global industry through distinct licensing platforms for advanced blueberry varieties. With over 1,000 team members worldwide, the company provides comprehensive horticultural support and market intelligence to maximize grower success. Committed to building "A World with Better Blueberries™," Fall Creek® continues to lead industry innovation. Visit www.fallcreeknursery.com.

Media contact:
Teun Leenders
Commercial Manager EMEA
teunl@fallcreeknursery.com